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10

Doctor insights on:
Melonoma Moles

1

No:
Asymmetry is one sign of melanoma (along with non-smooth borders, color, and size (diameter= abcd). But many benign moles are asymmetric, as well. Have it checked out. If a melanoma, the office visit may be life saving - if benign, you will be reassured and can stop worrying.
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A mole (also called a nevus) is a localized overgrowth of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the skin. Most moles are benign. However, these cells can become cancerous. This is known as melanoma, a malignancy of melanocytes.
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3

It's complicated:
Any suspicious mole should be checked by your doctor. Moles with multiple colors are surely more suspicious for melanoma, but not definitive. On the other hand, some melanomas have no pigmentation, making them much harder to diagnose.
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4

See a dermatologist:
Definitely seek the opinion of your dermatologist. There are many mimics of melanoma. Luckily most existing moles do not evolve into melanoma. That said, most dermatologists will biopsy moles that have changed. "change" can mean it's color, size, shape, symptoms of itchiness, or even history of bleeding.
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6

Moles and Melanoma:
Moles that have asymmetry, border irregularity, color changes or that increase in size should be evaluated to rule out melanoma. Visual inspection is not completely accurate and must often be supplemented with a biopsy to make a proper diagnosis.
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7

Atypical nevi:
Atypical moles(nevi), prescancerous nevi, dysplastic nevi are classified as mild, moderate and severe. After severe is melanoma.
It is believed than normal moles go through this progression to become a melanoma. Thus, skin screening is important to pick up the precancerous nevi before they turn into melanoma.
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9

Many ways:
The bottom line is that melanoma is a potentially deadly form of skin cancer that can have close to a 100% cure rate if detected early. If you have any mole that concerns you for any reason you should see a dermatologist asap.
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10

Possibly:
In some cases, melanoma can present as an itching mole. If there is any thing left at the site, wether it is pigmented (black or brown) or not (pink), you should see your doctor for a check up and possible biopsy. If there is nothing left but you are still worried, go see your doctor. If there is nothing left and you are fine with it, observe clsoely for any thing that grows back.
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Melanoma is a cancer of the melanocyte cells. Melanocyte cells determine the color of your skin. Although these cells are primarily found in your skin, they can also be found in the bowel and in the eyes.
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